Maria is one of my favorite songs on this album. When I wrote this song, I imagined a story about a couple that both struggle with mental illness. Maria, one half of the couple, is struggling while her partner is improving in his mental state. When Maria hits rock bottom and decides to end her life, her partner sings this song to her, telling her that she can get through it if she will let him help her. It starts out with a nostalgic tone, but by the time that the song hits the bridge, you can really start to hear the desperation to save Maria.
lyrics
There used to be an escape
where we would go to face our fate
with open eyes and shallow lungs
in this place of freedom.
Will you follow me
down under, will you follow me?
Would you dig way underneath for me?
Maria oh Maria,
what happened to this place?
Maria oh Maria,
was it really that hard to face?
Blood falls and it trickles down these walls.
If life costed a nickel, we would be drowning in someone's loss.
Kings they crossed a thousand lands
to hold the queen's gentle hands,
while we sat together at home
where insanity was our throne.
Will you follow me
down under, will you follow me?
Would you dig way underneath with me?
Maria oh Maria,
what happened to this place?
Maria oh Maria,
was it really that hard to face?
Blood falls and it trickles down these walls.
If life costed a nickel, we would be drowning in someone's loss.
First step is admitting the problem,
then doing something about 'em.
I know you're gonna be,
I know you'll always be,
come on, you've got to be okay.
Put it down, hold on to me.
Why don't you want to be?
Please tell me you're okay.
I used to see your beautiful face.
In this life you had to escape.
I will try not to miss you
because then I would lose myself too.
I would follow you
down under, I would follow you.
I would dig way underneath
for you.
Maria oh Maria,
Maria oh Maria.
credits
from The Running Age,
released July 18, 2016
Lyrics and music written and performed by Diana Montero.
Edited and recorded by Sam Dwyer.
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